Tuesday, March 25, 2008

Grammar Basics: Unit 26 – What are you doing tomorrow?

As we have already seen, the present continuous (am / is / are + V-ing) is used for something that is happening now. However, we can also use it for some future events as well:

Examples:

I’m going to the mountains on my vacation next summer.He’s taking a test tomorrow.She’s singing a solo in the concert next weekend.

Similarly, we can use the present continuous to indicate that we have decided to do something, or have arranged to do something:

Examples:

Can you come to our house next weekend? We’re having a party.Are you running in the marathon this fall?I broke my foot this summer, so I’m not going to run.What are you doing this Friday?I’m going to go see a movie.

In particular, “am / is / are going to V something”:

We’re going to have a baby.

Do not use the simple present for plans or arrangements. However, when talking about schedules, simple present is okay:

Examples:

What time does your class start?It starts at 8 a.m. every day!The train leaves the station at exactly 7:15.Please don’t be late – the movie starts at 1:45.

Exercises: Complete the following sentences using either the present continuous or the simple present.

Example:

What (you / go) to do on your day off? ==> What are you going to do on your day off?

1. Get to bed early – tomorrow we (leave) at 6 in the morning.

2. I’m so tired, I (go) to go home and go straight to bed.

3. The bus (come) every 15 minutes, so it’s fairly convenient.

4. Mary has to stay home – the plumber (come) this afternoon to fix the toilet.